DIY vs Professional Installation
Compare DIY irrigation installation with professional installation — cost, design quality, system performance, licensing requirements, and when each approach makes sense.
Winner
Holman Industries
Best overall option once average cost, coverage, and support reputation are weighed together.
Average Gap
$1,743
Difference in average pricing across overlapping irrigation services.
Market Range
$45 - $6,175
The full low-to-high range across both providers.
Perth, WA · Est. 1963
From
$45
Average
$356
Coverage
9 areas
Best for: DIY homeowners and tradespeople wanting Australian-designed irrigation components at competitive prices, widely available through hardware chains and specialist irrigation retailers nationwide.
Review Holman IndustriesPerth, WA · Est. 2003
From
$380
Average
$2,099
Coverage
6 areas
Best for: Perth homeowners wanting a specialist reticulation company with deep local expertise, bore water knowledge, and reliable scheduling for residential irrigation installs and upgrades.
Review Reticulation Supplies DirectSide-by-Side Price Comparison
Compare overlapping service types directly so the right price anchor is clear before you request quotes.
| Service | Holman Industries | Reticulation Supplies Direct | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sprinkler Head Replacement | $75 | N/A | - |
| Soaker Hose System | $330 | N/A | - |
| Irrigation Controller/Timer Install | $375 | N/A | - |
| Smart Irrigation Controller Upgrade | $645 | $665 | -$20 |
| Pop-Up Sprinkler System Install (small garden) | N/A | $1140 | - |
| Reticulation System Install (full property) | N/A | $3740 | - |
| Bore Pump Installation | N/A | $2850 | - |
Pros & Cons
Holman Industries
WinnerPros
- ✓Widest product availability nationally through Bunnings, Masters, and specialist stores
- ✓Australian-designed products suited to local conditions and water restrictions
- ✓Competitive pricing for DIY and trade supply
Cons
- ✗Supply-only model — does not provide installation services directly
- ✗Product quality varies across the range; premium and budget products differ significantly
Reticulation Supplies Direct
Pros
- ✓Deep expertise in Perth reticulation and bore water systems
- ✓Transparent pricing with detailed written quotes
- ✓Strong knowledge of Water Corporation watering roster requirements
Cons
- ✗Coverage limited to greater Perth metro area only
- ✗Residential focus means limited capacity for large commercial projects
Bottom Line
Verdict
DIY installation using surface soaker hoses, micro-irrigation, or basic pop-up kits is feasible for small garden beds and vegetable gardens with limited pipe runs. Professional installation is strongly recommended for full-property reticulation, any system requiring mains water connection (which requires a licensed plumber in most states), bore pump connections, and multi-zone systems with solenoid valves and controllers. Incorrectly installed underground pipe systems are expensive to diagnose and repair.
Choose DIY for surface soaker hose systems, portable drip kits for veggie patches, and above-ground micro-irrigation in garden beds where professional installation cost is not justified. Choose professional installation for any in-ground system, mains water connection (required by law in most states), bore pump installation, multi-zone solenoid systems, and full-property reticulation. The design expertise a professional brings — correct head spacing, matched precipitation rates, zone design — makes a significant difference to system performance over its 15–25 year life.
Comparison FAQ
Holman Industries is cheaper on average in this comparison, but the right answer depends on your specific irrigation requirements including garden size, system type, soil conditions, water source, and number of zones.
Garden size and number of zones, the type of system (pop-up vs drip vs mixed), whether bore or mains water is used, soil conditions affecting excavation, controller type, and whether the quote includes commissioning and programming all affect the total cost more than a blended average. Always confirm what is included in the quote before comparing prices.
Choose DIY for surface soaker hose systems, portable drip kits for veggie patches, and above-ground micro-irrigation in garden beds where professional installation cost is not justified. Choose professional installation for any in-ground system, mains water connection (required by law in most states), bore pump installation, multi-zone solenoid systems, and full-property reticulation. The design expertise a professional brings — correct head spacing, matched precipitation rates, zone design — makes a significant difference to system performance over its 15–25 year life.